New 8 week old Kitten – frightened!

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  • 11 June, 2017 at 12:25 am #859773
    Gina LaBarbera
    Participant

    Hey everyone, newbie here! Question…

    We rescued an 8 week old kitten from a local rescue association today. She was super sweet yet timid. We brought her home and she’s frightened out of her mind. I have her in our spare bathroom, so she has her own space. She’s climbing the walls desperately trying to find a way out or a crevice to hide under. Is that normal? Does this mean she was probably not socialized?

    We rescued another kitten 8 months ago from the humane society and she was night and day from this one, which is why I’m worried. That one was completely at ease at our home from Day 1.

    So I guess I’m asking… will she come around? Or does she not like people and may always be a “hider”? 🙁 What can we do in the meantime?

    Any help would certainly be appreciated! Thank you!

    11 June, 2017 at 12:52 am #859774
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Hi Gina,

    It sounds like your wee girl had a rough start but she has only been there for a day. Is she aware of your other kit? Is there any conflict?

    She’s going to need some time to settle down and feel safe in your house. Some cats are naturally skittish and that never changes. It’s frustrating because your other kitten settled in so easily. Please give her time. Purrhaps, you can get a pheromone dispenser and set it up in her room. Leave her food/water and clean litter box. Use unscented non-clumping litter, as some kits will try to eat clumping litter. Put a radio on low and give her an unwashed shirt of yours.

    Here’s a link that give you a bit more information. You can also call the rescue organization and see if they have a history on her.

    https://www.paws.org/library/cats/home-life/helping-your-cat-adjust/

    PG

    11 June, 2017 at 12:53 am #859775
    Alysha B Angel
    Participant

    I had a similar experience with lily, and she was around the same age when my two males showed me where she was living at the time. Under my Porch . Just keep her near you at all times. She will adapt and mellow out .

    11 June, 2017 at 12:58 am #859776
    Gina LaBarbera
    Participant

    Thanks! The kittens are able to sniff each other under the door, but I have not done introductions yet. I feel it’s too soon.

    So I’ve read contradicting info online… is it best to hold her each day to get her used to me? Or sit with her from afar? Obviously my inclination is to snuggle her to get her used to me as well as make her feel loved.

    Advice?

    11 June, 2017 at 1:05 am #859777
    Alysha B Angel
    Participant

    Lily was between six and 8 weeks old at the time . I kept her hear me wrapped in a towel for the first 4 days. She’s now a mother of two 5 week old kittens she’s never been a lap cat but she does show me love and appreciation in other ways. Like stealing my food and giving me gentle head bunts as well as sometimes sleeping right next to me . She will get used to you and she will love you . Just be patient

    11 June, 2017 at 6:08 am #859787
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    You should try and hold her but if she freaks out then put her down. You can stay and visit in the room until she settles down and try again.

    11 June, 2017 at 1:45 pm #859796
    Kittyzee
    Participant

    Talking softly to her, and yes I would hold and pet her. No loud noises until she settles down and gets used to the sounds of your household. All cats are different with different wants and needs. Some like to be held, especially if they were hand reared and that’s what they know…others do not. They will climb into your lap, but on their own and don’t like to be stroked. Most like chin scritches and head pets, but not stroked all the way down to their tails. Funny cats, but we still try to please them!

    15 June, 2017 at 11:07 pm #859927
    Heather Owens
    Participant

    I am a bit of a geek so you will have to bear with me, but I believe that the key to getting your cat is developing a group scent for your home. Cat pheromones play a large part in setting a base line for cat behavior. I would introduce an item like a pair of socks or a cat toy and have members (animal or otherwise) play with that item and sneak it into the bathroom where your cat is. Play with the kitty and the toy everyday–swapping it between your cat and other members of the house. I know that it is a bit weird….but I’ve seen it a thousand times. Your cat probably needs to get used to the smell of your house and you can accelerate that process. If you think that I’m not completely nuts then lets talk some more. I would love to help. Good luck and hope to hear from you!

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